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As I mentioned here, in our quest to make our wedding unique, we found a spectacular art gallery to host our ceremony. The art is amazing with tons of fabulous modern abstracts like these:
I’m certain the gallery will be new for most, if not all, of our guests, particularly since it’s tucked away in an area of town that you would have to really know about to get to. Since the art is stunning, we thought it would be a shame not to give our guests some time to look around prior to the ceremony…and nothing goes better with art than wine!
We’re planning to have the gallery open up 30 minutes prior to the wedding, just like a church or other traditional venue would. But instead of guests arriving early and just sitting and waiting, they can walk around and take a look at the art. The gallery has recommended a bartending service that can arrange to pass glasses of wine (or sparkling water) as guests arrive, and the good news is that not only will the vendor allow us to bring in our own alcohol, but they also provide their own glassware without a separate rental fee, which is awesome. I’m going to task the ladies of the house party with walking around and letting guests know when it’s time to sit for the ceremony.
I’m thinking this will work and will really set the stage for a unique wedding experience. What do you think? Has anyone else served beverages before the ceremony?
I work in an art museum as a collections manager (caring for the art) and I have a great idea for you! If you are printing a program, it think it would be great if you could add a little blurb reminding your guests of the rules/guidelines of the gallery or just a general statement to be cautious around the art. We don’t allow events in our space because it is simply not worth the risk to the art, but I know many galleries/museums that do. With crowds, there is always the risk of forgetting there is a valuable work of art behind you- elbows, handbags, wild-hand-talkers, etc. With food… the list of what could go wrong is just too long to list. As someone who feels passionate about protecting our cultural heritage, I’d really appreciate a pleasant reminder to your guests- that way everyone can appreciate the work around them at your beautiful wedding… and generations to come can appreciate the work as well!
That is a very unique and good idea. Way to utilize your space! I’d love to look at art with a glass of wine in my hand before a wedding!
Um, that is the GREATEST idea ever. Love it! (I minored in Art History in college, and have a general appreciation for all artistic things- so I am totally jealous. 
I’m serving drinks beforehand and there’s lots of Group of Seven art for our guests to look at beforehand. Your wedding sounds so awesome!
That is such a great idea! I’m sure your guest will love to check out the art.
Friends of mine did something similar - they were married in an old factory converted to a museum (historical exhibits rather than art) and had a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. In their case, it was because they couldn’t have the ceremony until after sunset (when the Jewish sabbath would be over) but at that time of year the sun set so late that they wanted to start the festivities sooner.
The only bug I can maybe think of is that 30 minutes isn’t a lot of time, given that a lot of people will be arriving more like 15 minutes or less before the stated start time — maybe start your ceremony a little later than stated so nobody who arrives on time is deprived of the opportunity for a drink and some art beforehand? Either that, or mentioning with the invitations that the gallery will be open 30 minutes before the ceremony for the benefit of those who would like a chance to look at the art?
@Tracy: Great idea!
@Jennifer: Yes. I’m planning on including an insert in the invitation that says something to the effect of, “the gallery will open at 6:00 pm to allow guests to enjoy the art and a glass of wine prior to the 6:30 ceremony.” Something like that… I haven’t completely figured out he wording yet.
Super awesome! I would love to be a guest at your wedding, what a thoughtful addition to an otherwise boring time. Wine and art as opposed to killing time in a chair? Yes please!
Sounds like an awesome idea to me. I’d serve prosecco.
Wow! Fabulous art and fabulous idea Miss Hippo! I’d love to be a guest at your wedding!
This is a great idea! If I could have fabulous art at my wedding, I would. Perfect with a glass of wine.
Don’t mind me Hippo, I’ll be the stalker at your wedding 
I must have missed you having your wedding at an art gallery, that’s so awesome!
[...] following along, you’ll remember that we are inviting our guests to arrive early so that they can have a glass of wine and stroll through the art gallery before the ceremony starts. I’m starting to think through the [...]
[...] art gallery, most of the guests had already arrived and were strolling the gallery. We decided to serve a little wine before the ceremony, so guests were able to grab a glass and look around for a bit before our house [...]
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Mrs. Hippo, New York City/Dallas, TX Age and Occupation: 34, Event Planner for a Non-Profit Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Finance IT Engagement Date: August 8, 2009 Wedding Date: March 2011 Venue: Samuel Lynne Galleries and Marc Events About Me: I’m a thirty-something bride living in New York City and planning a modern-ish wedding in Dallas, Texas. I love trashy reality television (Jersey Shore, anyone?), online shopping, Sunday brunch, Central Park, and random celebrity spottings on the streets of Manhattan. While I love NYC, I miss good Tex-Mex, my college friends, central A/C, and being in close proximity to a Target. I’m thrilled to finally be planning an event that’s not work-related and to be marrying my best friend in what I hope will be a unique and personal ceremony followed by a reception with plenty of good food, good drinks, and dancing (regardless if it’s good or not).
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